Why is synthetic biology so popular?

One is gene editing technology: With the emergence and continuous improvement of gene editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9, scientists can edit and modify the genes of organisms more accurately and efficiently. This provides a powerful tool for constructing biological systems with specific functions in synthetic biology.

The second is DNA synthesis technology: DNA synthesis technology is crucial in synthetic biology as it serves as the foundation for constructing new biological systems. In recent years, there have been significant improvements in the speed, accuracy, and cost of DNA synthesis. 

Nowadays, it is possible to synthesize large amounts of DNA fragments quickly and inexpensively.

The third is bioinformatics: Scientists can use bioinformatics methods and tools to conduct in-depth analysis and understanding of the gene sequences, metabolic networks, and other aspects of organisms, providing important theoretical support for the design and construction of synthetic biology.

In the field of healthcare, synthetic biology techniques can be used to design and produce new drugs, such as using microbial fermentation to produce drug ingredients and developing novel antibody drugs. Synthetic biology can develop drugs that are difficult to synthesize using traditional methods.

Biosensors capable of detecting disease biomarkers can be constructed to achieve early diagnosis of diseases; Using cells modified by synthetic biology for cellular immunotherapy to treat diseases such as cancer.

In the fields of chemical engineering and materials, synthetic biology technology can be used to produce various chemicals, such as biodegradable plastics, biofuels, chemical enzymes, etc. 

These bio based chemicals have advantages such as renewability and environmental friendliness, and are expected to replace traditional petrochemical products, reduce dependence on fossil resources, and lower environmental pollution.

It is possible to design and synthesize biomaterials with specific properties, such as high-strength bio fibers, bio nanomaterials with special functions, etc. These biomaterials have broad application prospects in fields such as construction, textiles, and electronics.

In the field of agriculture, crop gene editing and improvement can be carried out to increase crop yield, disease and pest resistance, stress resistance, etc., providing new ways to solve global food security issues.

Microbial based biopesticides and biofertilizers can be developed to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, lower environmental pollution, and improve the sustainability of agricultural production. Synthetic biology technology can be used to produce food additives, seasonings, functional foods, etc.

Many countries and regions support and develop synthetic biology as a strategic emerging industry. For example, China has explicitly listed synthetic biology as one of the cutting-edge fields of science and technology in the 14th Five Year Plan, and has introduced a series of policies to promote technological innovation and industrial development in synthetic biology.

Local governments have also actively introduced relevant policies to support the development of the synthetic biology industry, such as establishing industrial parks, providing financial support, preferential policies, etc., attracting a large number of enterprises and research institutions to participate in the research and application of synthetic biology.

（4） Good economic and environmental benefits, high economic value: Synthetic biology has enormous economic potential and is expected to create new economic growth points. 

It is predicted that the economic value of synthetic biology and biomanufacturing will reach $100 billion by 2025, and the annual economic impact will reach $1.8 to $3.6 trillion by 2030-2040.

Environmentally friendly: In the context of global advocacy for energy conservation, emission reduction, and carbon neutrality, the environmentally friendly characteristics of synthetic biology make it of significant strategic importance. 

Synthetic biology can utilize renewable resources as raw materials to produce products through processes such as biological fermentation, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and pollutant production, and contributing to sustainable development.